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Articles
Making the Bible a Religious Icon
I once read about the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway in southern Alberta, Canada. It said that Crowfoot, the chief of the Blackfoot nation in southern Alberta, gave the Canadian Pacific Railway permission to lay track from Medicine Hat to Calgary in exchange for a lifetime railroad pass. It further stated that Crowfoot put the pass in a leather pouch and wore it around his neck for the rest of his life. However, interestingly, he never once used the rights and privileges afforded by the pass.
I have been in homes where the Bible was prominently displayed on a table of some sort. Yet, it was obvious that the occupants of the home never once used the rights and privileges afforded by the contents of this great book.
The wearing of jewelry that is fashioned like a cross or that boldly displays WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) does not make one a faithful Christian. In like manner, the carrying of a Bible on one’s person does not make one a Christian. It is common to see people doing all three of the things mentioned. Yet, faithful Christians are a rare breed.
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees of His day because they made a show of their piety rather than practicing true piety. He said they broadened their phylacteries (leather boxes that were strapped to the body which held scripture), and enlarged the borders (fringe or tassels) of their garments (Matthew 23:5). The Pharisee literally wore his religion, but it did him no good; for he, like chief Crowfoot, failed to use and therefore receive the benefits of God’s words.
Many today wear their religion but fail when it comes to abiding within the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9). These ones shall be surprised on the Judgment Day. They will argue with the Lord declaring their faithfulness by referring to their accomplishments. However, the Lord will say, “Depart from me” (Matthew 7:21-23). This will occur because these never studied the Word to know the responsibilities that come with being a Christian. Their religious experience was nothing more than a form of godliness without substance (2 Timothy 3:5).
Any Christian can fail in their walk if they do not live up to their responsibilities. This will also occur if there is a failure to accept the rights and privileges that come to the child of God from His holy word. Use God’s Word to draw close to Him and to become a faithful servant. We must not make the words of God nothing more than a religious icon to be worn around the neck.
